Cycling day trip from Pernik to Sofia

Ready for a scenic ride? Start your journey in Pernik, a town famed for its mining history and the annual Surva International Festival of Masquerade Games (think vibrant masks and lively parades!). From there, you'll set out towards Sofia, Bulgaria’s lively capital—home to grand boulevards, lush parks, and a thriving café culture.

This ~44 km route gives you a taste of both town and nature. You'll tackle a fair bit of climbing (just over 900 meters ascent), rewarded with some great descents as you close in on Sofia. Most of your ride (about 60%) is along quiet roads, making it perfect if you want to soak in the scenery without jockeying for space with cars. That said, the surface is a mix, with some stretches missing good pavement—you might hit the occasional rough patch or cobblestones, so a sturdy bike is best.

Expect beautiful views of the Balkan mountains, especially near the route’s maximum elevation—nearly 1,000 meters! As you roll into Sofia, treat yourself to a coffee or pastry at one of the buzzing city squares, knowing you've earned it. Enjoy the ride!